Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
The world, reminiscent of medieval Europe, is rendered in vibrant colors, and just looking at the depicted towns, mountains, and sea is enough to lift your spirits.
Although the story has a strong fantasy flavor, the other protagonist, Sophie, starts to feel very relatable, and you can’t help but want to cheer her on with a “You’ve got this!”
This article compiles the wonderful pieces of music from Howl’s Moving Castle.
Be sure to read to the end and find your favorite!
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- Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs
- The songs of Tales from Earthsea. Theme song and insert songs.
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- Song(s) from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Theme song and insert song(s).
- Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
- The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert song.
- Songs from Kiki's Delivery Service. Anime theme and insert songs. Ghibli classics.
- Theme and insert songs of 'Your Name'
- Songs from Whisper of the Heart: theme song and insert songs
- The song from My Neighbor Totoro. Theme song and insert song.
Songs from Howl's Moving Castle. Main and insert songs (21–30)
Run!Hisaishi Joe
Among piano sounds, this particular track is bursting with a sense of speed.
The sudden, relentless piano scales will make you want to take off running, without a doubt.
It’s a piece brimming with tension, as if something is chasing you.
The dark melody with its ever-resounding bass grows more unsettling the more you listen.
Don’t you find yourself wondering what they’re running from—and getting curious about the film’s story?
Cheerful Light CavalryHisaishi Joe
Here’s a perfect song for anyone looking for something uplifting.
A “light cavalry” refers to soldiers used for surprise attacks and disruption, relying on speed and minimal equipment.
You can feel that same lightness in the sprightly melody! The rhythm itself is mid-tempo, but because the notes are packed in tightly, it sounds very fast—highly recommended.
In the rainHisaishi Joe
Sophie, the protagonist who has found her place as the cleaning lady in Howl’s castle, ends up causing an incident after cleaning the bathroom.
Her cleaning breaks a spell, turning Howl’s beautiful hair black, and he flies into a tantrum.
Truly beautiful and once young herself, Sophie becomes overwhelmed at the sight, rushes out into the rainy night, and bursts into tears.
This piece expresses Sophie’s complex emotions, falling steadily like the rain.
Still, there’s a heartwarming moment when the scarecrow, Turnip-Head, follows her and brings an umbrella.
Magic DoorHisaishi Joe
The “magic door” plays a very important role in the story—and of course, it’s on the soundtrack too! The track is packed with variety, from bright, popping, catchy melodies to damp, uneasy ones that make you feel a little on edge—all in a single song.
As for what role this mysterious, powerful door plays, be sure to watch the film and find out.
Sophie’s TomorrowHisaishi Joe
If you want to feel gently positive, I recommend “Sophie’s Tomorrow.” It’s a song filled with hope for the future.
But with Joe Hisaishi, it never ends with hope alone.
There are moments when the unknown makes you feel uneasy, right? Those faint anxieties are woven in beautifully, too.
It’s a charming piece where Sophie, brave enough not to fear the future despite her worries, rides adorably on the piano’s melodies.